Maduro Offered U.S. Venezuela’s Oil Wealth to Avoid Confrontation

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro secretly offered the Trump administration a sweeping deal to grant the U.S. access to Venezuela’s vast oil, gas, and mineral wealth in exchange for easing sanctions and halting hostilities. The proposal included giving American companies control over new oil and gold projects.

Source The New York Times

The Trump administration ultimately rejected the offer, citing ongoing concerns about corruption, drug trafficking, and Venezuela’s alliances with China, Iran, and Russia. Maduro, however, signaled that he remains open to future talks and economic cooperation.

Meanwhile, opposition leader María Corina Machado proposed an alternative economic vision — one centered on democratic reforms and transparent investment partnerships with American firms.